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Bluff Oysters

Photo Venture Southland

Bluff oysters are reputed to be the best in the world and New Zealand’s national treasure. These delicate and succulent shellfish are dredged along the coastlines of Southland between March and August every year.

Originating in the pristine, cool waters of the Foveaux Strait, one of the few natural oyster beds in the world, Bluff oysters are known for their unique flavour that is loved around the globe.

History

The Foveaux Strait is one of the oldest commercial fisheries in New Zealand, and the iconic Bluff oyster has been harvested here for over 100 years. Oystering has helped shape Bluff, one of New Zealand’s oldest towns, where the coastal town features cues to its dredging past and culture. The industry contributes significantly to the local economy and to ensure its sustainability a quota system was introduced in the 1960s, along with limited season which helps protects the oyster beds for future generations.

Bluff Oyster and Food Festival

Bluff Oysters are celebrated in style every May, with the Bluff Oyster and Food Festival. The event draws visitors from around the globe. Thousands of world-famous Bluff oysters and other gourmet ocean treats are served fresh and washed down with local brews. Crowds are entertained with oyster eating and opening competitions, and local designers get creative on the boardwalk with designs incorporating the delicacy.

About the Oyster

Although commonly known as the Bluff oyster, it is known by others names, including mud oyster, flat oyster, dredge oyster, Foveaux Strait oyster and deep water oyster. It's known in Māori as the Tio paruparu and it's scientific name is: Tiostrea chilensis.

This type of Oyster is native to New Zealand and found throughout the country, but it is most common in the south. They can be found around the coast, and form dense beds in gravel or coarse sand bottoms from 25 to 50 metres deep.

The shell of the oyster comes in a variety of colours ranging from white to a purple-brown. The left shell is ridged and cupped while the right shell lies flat and has scaly layers. Inside, the shell is luminous, and the flesh has shades of white, grey, gold, and black.

Oyster Facts

Oysters can live up to eight years

The oysters we eat are about four to six years old

Oysters can alternate between each sex

Oysters is pear-shaped with a heavy-shelled bivalve

They can be 6-10 centimetres long

Around 10 million oysters are pulled from Foveaux Strait a season (quota dependent)

Only about two dozen ships are legally permitted to trawl oysters in the Foveaux Strait

Eating Oysters

Bluff oysters are meatier and have a more intense flavour than their cousins around New Zealand. They are arguably best eaten fresh, raw and straight from the shell, but are also delicious battered, served Kilpatrick or in a seafood chowder.